How Newly Born Babies Develop Diabetes

Published at 12/30/2011 16:15:13

Introduction

Today, with the current lifestyle and environmental conditions, humans are susceptible to various health problems. Some of these medical conditions may be easily treated. Others are undeviating conditions which requires a regular treatment and a very strict diet. Diabetes is one of the few metabolic disorders that last for a lifetime. For most individuals this disorder occurs at puberty or adulthood. Recently, a new age group of individuals have developed a high risk for diabetes. Newly born babies are found to have signs and symptoms of this metabolic disorder. The very intriguing question nowadays is how does a newly born baby develop diabetes?

History

There are several factors that results to diabetes, the very main culprit is the genetic make-up handed down from parent to child. However, like all underlying genetic diseases, it has to be triggered before it fully develops. Studies have proven that diabetes is a product of imbalances in insulin resulting to elevated glucose levels in the blood. Elevation of glucose may exhibit as excessive glucose (hyperglycaemia) or extremely low glucose in the blood stream (hypoglycaemia). Mothers may transfer glucose to their babies when they are still growing in their wombs, leading to the development of gastrointestinal diabetes. It is a condition that is only developed by both mothers and babies during pregnancy. Why glucose and how diabetes develops? Insulin cannot pass through the placental barrier however glucose does. When glucose levels starts to rise, the initial response of the body is to produce insulin to counter the amplification of glucose in the body.

Features

With these, babies may exhibit low blood sugar levels. When not fully controlled those extra glucose will be converted to fats. Upon delivery, newly born babies continue to produce insulin. This may extend into type II diabetes when they get older. Type II diabetes is a condition where in the body fails to utilize insulin appropriately, commonly known as insulin resistance. Insulin resistance may develop due to consistent interaction between insulin and glucose that the effects become less significant. In some cases gastrointestinal diabetes is curable. Treatment may take at least 6 weeks or more.

Newly born babies are very susceptible to any diseases due to their underdeveloped organs. As parents, you are obliged to make sure that all your babies’ needs are taken care of. Proper nutrition is a very important factor in child growth. For mothers who have given birth to newly born babies with diabetes, it is recommended that one controls her glucose intake since it can be transferred through the breast milk. While breastfeeding consuming healthy snacks are also recommended to avoid low blood sugars.

Tips and comments

Regular glucose tests should also be done for mother and child to update them with the current and risk factors may occur. Observe your babies for the following signs and symptoms; restlessness, irritations, frequent urination, sudden weight loss and appearance of a velvet rash. Whenever these conditions appear consult your physician as soon as possible. Lastly, let your babies grow as normal as possible. Every baby has a chance to grow old being their selves without the fear of what tomorrow may bring.